In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, author Candace Kade discusses her Hybrid trilogy, the power of cultural authenticity in storytelling, and how brokenness can become beauty. For the full show notes visit: readcleanya.com
Jul 09, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with C.J. Milacci, author Lyndsey Lewellen discusses her upcoming novel The Crier Stone, the power of storytelling to address deep spiritual themes, and her journey from reluctant reader to published author. Find the full show notes at readcleanya.com
Jun 25, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, bestselling author Bryan Davis discusses his new novel The Sacred Scales, the power of sacrificial love in storytelling, and his journey from computer programmer to a novelist who has sold over a million books. Find the full notes at readcleanya.com
Jun 11, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this compelling episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, bestselling author Bradley Caffee discusses his groundbreaking new science fiction novel Captive and how speculative fiction can tackle deep societal issues in unique ways. Go to readcleanya.com for the full show notes!
May 28, 2025•27 min0
S.D. Smith, the bestselling author beloved for his Green Ember series, is back with an exciting new project that is nothing short of game-changing...literally. Through his latest Kickstarter campaign, Smith is bringing fans into the world of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, a thrilling new novel that also marks the first-ever gamization of the Green Ember universe. This unique project is making waves not just for its creativity but for its bold vision of combining storytelling and gaming in a way that...
May 14, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we explore clean, engaging books for teens and young adults. Today, we're diving into a conversation with Katherine Briggs about her latest fantasy novel and the power of speculative fiction. Find the full show notes at readcleanya.com.
Apr 30, 2025•30 min0
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we explore clean, engaging books for teens and young adults. Today, we're diving into a conversation with L.E. Richmond about her latest dystopian novel.
Apr 16, 202500
Join Read Clean YA with C.J. for this exciting conversation about wrapping up a series and connecting with readers through Kickstarter. Host C.J. Milacci and guest E.A. Hendryx share their experiences as they both prepare to launch their series’ final installments.
Mar 31, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we explore clean, engaging books for teens and young adults. Today, we're diving into a fascinating conversation with Chuck Black, former F-16 fighter pilot and author of over 22 novels.
Mar 19, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with C.J. Milacci, where we explore exciting worlds and epic stories suitable for teens and young adults. Today, we're diving into a fascinating conversation with Tricia Goyer, USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 books.
Mar 05, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with C.J. Milacci, where we dive into clean, thought-provoking books for teens and young adults. In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with debut author Angie Dickinson about her upcoming YA fantasy novel, Truth Cursed. More than just a thrilling tale of spies and secrets, Truth Cursed explores the transformative power of truth, the weight of responsibility, and the journey to discovering self-worth. Let’s take a closer look at the themes an...
Feb 19, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with C.J., featuring middle-grade author C.P. Landry, creator of the Cajun Kids Adventure series. Find the full episode show notes at ReadCleanYA.com
Feb 05, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with C.J. Milacci, featuring middle-grade author Millie Florence discussing her upcoming fantasy novel, Beyond Mulberry Glen. A captivating tale filled with heartwarming characters and an undertone of hope for readers of all ages. Find the full episode show notes on ReadCleanYA.com
Jan 22, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with C.J., featuring debut author Abigail O'Bryan discussing her dark YA reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, Iron Rose. No Kiss Can Break This Curse. There is no future for Lydia Brightwood.The Crimson Lord, a tyrant bent on destroying Lydia's country, made sure of that. Her only hope of a different life is to find the one person who could unite her country: a royal heir. There's just one problem... They're all dead.The Beast's humanity is slipping aw...
Jan 08, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Welcome to a special episode recap of Read Clean YA with C.J., where host C.J. Milacci faced off against her niece Lily in an epic trivia challenge about the Talionis series, moderated by Ani. If you're a fan of fast-paced, clean adventures with deep themes, or just love a good trivia showdown, this episode is one for the books. During the Q&A portion at the end, CJ shares insights into her writing process as well. You can find the full episode show notes at readcleanya.com Thank you for a w...
Dec 18, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ! Today, we’re exploring the heartwarming world of middle-grade author Becca Wierwille and her Road Trip Rescue series. A heartwarming adventure for kids ages 8-12 with a missing dog, a determined girl, a pink-haired aunt, and themes of faith and friendship. Find the full episode show notes at ReadCleanYA.com Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Road Trip Rescue: https://beccawierwille.square.site Becca’s Website: https://beccawierwille.com...
Dec 04, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with C.J.! Today, we’re exploring the fantastical world of The Tunockian Chronicles with author Rayleigh Setser, who writes as RJ Setser with her husband Joshua. Three kingdoms. Two Wars. And one queen who is desperate to save them all. Find the full episode show notes on ReadCleanYA.com Links to Things Discussed in this Episode A Queen is Knighted: https://rjsetser.com/product/autographed-copy-of-a-queen-is-knighted/ RJ’s Website: https://rjsetser.com...
Nov 20, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Welcome to another exciting episode of Read Clean YA with C.J.! Today, we're exploring the fantastical world of The Orb and the Airship with author Jenelle Schmidt, whose love for storytelling began with her father's nightly reading sessions. A rogue airship captain. An ambitious youth. A clash of powers beyond their imagination. Find the full episode show notes at readcleanya.com. Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Orb and the Airship (affiliate link) Jenelle’s Website...
Nov 07, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Welcome to the Read Clean YA with C.J. podcast! In this episode, we dive into an enlightening interview with S.D. Smith, author of the million-plus selling Green Ember series and co-author of Jack Zulu and The Waylander’s Key. A world in the balance. A boy with a fateful choice. A girl with golden wings. Jack Zulu explores a new realm in this fantastic adventure that stretches beyond Earth and into a world on the edge of destruction. Jack must search for answers about his fallen father’s story a...
Oct 23, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Nightmare Virus (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3zwJDoZ Nadine’s Instagram: @Nadinebrandes Nadine Brandes’s Website: https://nadinebrandes.com CJ’s Upcoming Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cjmilacci/enemy-of-talionis-a-young-adult-sci-fi-dystopian-novel Welcome to Read Clean YA with CJ , the podcast for teens and young adults who want to explore exciting worlds, deep themes, and epic stories without the objectionable content . In ...
Jul 10, 2024•35 min•0Ep. 29
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Protector (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4ez7F2N Purchase Protector from White Crown Publishing Purchase a Signed Copy of Protector Megan Schaulis’s Website: https://meganschaulis.com Welcome to the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast! In this episode, we dive into an exciting interview with young adult author Megan Schaulis , whose debut novel Protector is a YA dysto...
Jun 26, 2024•32 min•0Ep. 28
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Wolf Soldier (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3RIQKkL Bear Knight (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3RkDClj Lion Warrior (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4cbrCuD The Lightraiders Website: https://lightraiders.com James R. Hannibal’s Website: https://jamesrhannibal.com Exploring Deeper Themes in the Light Raider Academy Series with Author James R. Hannibal Welcome...
Jun 12, 2024•28 min•0Ep. 27
Episode Show Notes: Introduction In this episode of the Read Clean YA podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews young adult author Lyndsey Lewellen about her debut dystopian novel, The Chaos Grid. Set in a futuristic Texas wasteland filled with monsters and storms, the story follows a girl who joins a crew of truckers to avoid becoming the savior of the dome city that murdered her parents. Inspiration Behind "The Chaos Grid" Lyndsey shares that the initial spark for the story came while she was stuck ...
May 15, 2024•30 min•0Ep. 26
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Blood of the Stars (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Jj74E4 Karyne Norton’s Website: https://www.karynenorton.com Finding Fantasy Reads Podcast: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com Exploring Themes of Choice and Consequences in Karyne Norton's Epic Fantasy Debut "Blood of the Stars" In this episode of the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews f...
Apr 17, 2024•30 min•0Ep. 25
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Blood of the Stars (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Jj74E4 Karyne Norton’s Website: https://www.karynenorton.com Finding Fantasy Reads Podcast: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com Exploring Themes of Choice and Consequences in Karyne Norton's Epic Fantasy Debut "Blood of the Stars" In this episode of the Read Clean YA with CJ podcast, host CJ Milacci interviews f...
Apr 17, 2024•30 min•0Ep. 25
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Get your early copy of Falling Through the Black! Check out Emilie’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eahendryx/falling-through-the-black Listen to Emilie’s first episode on Read Clean YA with CJ: E.A. Hendryx’s Website: eahcreative.com Follow Emilie on Instagram: @createexploreread CJ’s Upcoming Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.c...
Apr 12, 2024•33 min•0Ep. 24
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Smoking Flax (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/49pazDG Jennifer Hallmark’s Website: https://www.jenniferhallmark.com Summary In this episode, CJ Milacci interviews author Jennifer Hallmark about her latest young adult novel, Smoking Flax. They discuss the inspiration behind the story, the themes of belonging and racism, and the therapeutic nature of writing. Jennif...
Apr 03, 2024•31 min•0Ep. 23
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Mermaid’s Tale (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3TncC4W LE Richmond’s Website: https://laurarichmondwrites.com LE Richmond on Instagram: @l.e.richmond Summary In this episode, CJ Milacci interviews author L.E. Richmond about her book, The Mermaid's Tale. They discuss the background of the author and her love for running. They dive into the details of the book,...
Mar 20, 2024•31 min•0Ep. 22
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode Saints and Monsters(affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4c2H90l Ellen McGinty’s Website: https://www.ellenmcginty.com Ellen McGinty on Instagram: @ ellenmcginty_author Summary In this episode, CJ Milacci interviews Ellen McGinty, author of the new young adult fantasy novel Saints and Monsters. They discuss the inspiration behind the story, the incorporation of Japanes...
Mar 06, 2024•31 min•0Ep. 21
Episode Show Notes Can be Found Here: https://cjmilacci.com/read-clean-ya-with-cj-podcast/ Links to Things Discussed in this Episode The Recorder (Book 1 of Children of the Consortium) (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3OTfXY3 Cathy McCrumb’s Website: https://www.cathymccrumb.com Cathy McCrumb on Instagram: @cathymccrumbauthor Lorehaven Review of Recorder: https://lorehaven.com/reviews/recorder/ Lorehaven Review of Aberration: https://lorehaven.com/reviews/aberration/ Summary In this episode, CJ...
Feb 23, 2024•29 min•0Ep. 20